Why did Starmer resign? These are the key moments of his chaotic two years as prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election, after already leaving Downing Street in July following 23 months as prime minister. He told the Camden New Journal it was the "right time" to move on and focus on international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology, as well as continuing his work combating violence against women and girls.
Starmer took office in July 2024 after a landslide election win but saw his popularity collapse amid growing discontent within his own party. His departure from No 10 followed Labour's record local election losses and mounting backbench pressure, with the final trigger being Andy Burnham's victory over Reform UK in the Makerfield by-election, which Labour figures took as proof Burnham could beat Nigel Farage's party where Starmer could not. His premiership was also rocked by the shock resignations of defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns over a funding row that saw only £10bn rather than a promised £23bn allocated to the Defence Investment Plan.
In short
- Starmer to quit as an MP, triggering a Holborn and St Pancras by-election
- He left No 10 in July after 23 months amid falling popularity
- Andy Burnham's by-election win was the final trigger for his exit
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Starmer’s departure can argue that the election losses, falling popularity and pressure within Labour showed he no longer had the authority to lead effectively. Leaving could give the party a chance to regroup under a leader better placed to challenge Reform UK and rebuild public confidence.
The case against
Critics can argue that stepping down after a short, turbulent premiership risks deepening instability and denies Starmer time to deliver the programme voters endorsed in 2024. They may also see the departure as driven by internal party manoeuvring and a single by-election result, rather than a settled judgement about his record or capacity to govern.
Explained simply
Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister in July 2024, after Labour won a large majority in a general election. He had led the party since 2020 and represented the north London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.
His time in office was marked by falling support and disputes within Labour over the government’s choices, including how much to spend on defence. Poor local election results added to pressure from Labour MPs, while Andy Burnham’s win for Labour in a by-election strengthened arguments about the party’s prospects against Reform UK.
The role of prime minister is separate from being an MP: a person can leave Downing Street but remain in Parliament. A resignation as an MP creates a vacancy that is filled through a by-election, giving voters in that constituency a chance to choose a new representative.
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